IP Library Granted Patent US 7,922,176
Granted Patent B1
US 7,922,176 · App. 12/072,927 · Granted Apr 12, 2011

Wheel indicator and progressive bonus means

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,922,176
App. No.
12/072,927
Granted
Apr 12, 2011
Kind
B1
Abstract

A game system including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. In an exemplary embodiment, the progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive an award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel.

Claims (35)

1. A game comprising:

wheel means;

control means responsive operative to selectively control the rotational position of said wheel means;

scoring means operative to accumulate a game; and

a progressive bonus providing a payout under bonus conditions.

2. A game as recited in claim 1 further comprising a rotational position sensor detecting a rotational position of said wheel means and providing a signal to said control means.

3. A game as recited in claim 1 wherein said game includes at least an element of chance.

4. A game as recited in claim 3 wherein said wheel means may be rotated in response to an event of said game.

5. A game as recited in claim 4 wherein said progressive bonus may be affected by said game.

6. A game as recited in claim 5 wherein said progressive bonus may be increased by said game.

7. A game as recited in claim 5 wherein said progressive bonus may be paid out, at least in part, to a player of said game.

8. A game as recited in claim 4 wherein at least a portion of said wheel means is illuminated.

9. A game as recited in claim 8 wherein at least one of said segments of said wheel means is illuminated.

10. A game as recited in claim 1 further comprising a sound effects generator coupled to said control means.

11. A game as recited in claim 1 wherein said wheel means can be rotated in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction under the control of said control means.

12. A game as recited in claim 1 further comprising an award dispenser coupled to said control means.

13. A game as recited in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said wheel means is illuminated.

14. A game as recited in claim 13 wherein at least one of said segments of said wheel means is illuminated.

15. A game as recited in claim 1 further comprising a progressive bonus means wherein at least a portion of said progressive bonus means is illuminated.

16. A game comprising:

wheel means having a surface displaying a plurality of segments radially extending from an axis of rotation;

motor means coupled to said wheel means to rotate said wheel means around said axis of rotation;

control means responsive operative to selectively control the rotational position of said wheel means;

scoring means operative to accumulate a game; and

a progressive bonus providing a payout under bonus conditions.

17. A game as recited in claim 16 further comprising a rotational position sensor detecting a rotational position of said wheel means and providing a signal to said control means.

18. A game as recited in claim 16 wherein said game includes at least an element of chance.

19. A game as recited in claim 18 wherein said wheel means may be rotated in response to an event of said game.

20. A game as recited in claim 19 wherein said progressive bonus may be affected by said game.

21. A game as recited in claim 20 wherein said progressive bonus may be increased by said game.

22. A game as recited in claim 20 wherein said progressive bonus may be paid out, at least in part, to a player of said game.

23. A game as recited in claim 16 further comprising a sound effects generator coupled to said control means.

24. A game as recited in claim 16 wherein said wheel means can be rotated in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction under the control of said control means.

25. A game as recited in claim 16 further comprising an award dispenser coupled to said control means.

26. A game as recited in claim 16 further comprising a progressive bonus means wherein at least a portion of said progressive bonus means is illuminated.

Assignments (5)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jan 19, 2020
From: BALLY GAMING, INC.
To: SG GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051642/0589 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 1, 2014
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: SHFL ENTERTAINMENT, INC; ARCADE PLANET, INC.; BALLY GAMING, INC; BALLY GAMING INTERNATIONAL, INC.; BALLY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; SIERRA DESIGN GROUP
Reel/Frame 034501/0049 →
AMENDED AND RESTATED PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 30, 2013
From: BALLY GAMING, INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 031745/0001 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 11, 2011
From: SIERRA DESIGN GROUP, INC.
To: BALLY GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 026259/0373 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 2, 2010
From: SIERRA DESIGN GROUP, INC.
To: BALLY GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 025237/0050 →